Gamine tagged as even-money favorite for 2020 Kentucky Oaks (G1)

Bob Baffert’s brilliant 3-year-old filly Gamine was made the morning line favorite for the 2020 Kentucky Oaks (G1) after the field of nine 3-year-old fillies was drawn Monday for the $1.25 million contest to be run Friday, Sept. 4.

Gamine, a daughter of leading sire Into Mischief and bred by Grace Thoroughbred Holdings, has been outstanding in her four starts, winning the Acorn S. (G1) by an astounding 18 3/4-lengths and the Test S. (G1) by seven. Owned Michael Petersen, Gamine has earned $363,000

“I like (post) five,” Baffert said after the filly drew in the center of the field. “Being in the middle is always good. Right now the most important thing is that she ships well, that she relaxes, gets in there and breaks well. She’s training really well. We still have a few more hurdles, I’m happy with that spot.”

Gamine was scheduled to arrive in Kentucky on Monday on a flight from California that also is transporting Baffert’s Derby duo of Thousand Words and Authentic. 

Gamine will be ridden Saturday by John Velazquez, who was aboard for both the Acorn and Test. 

“You know, I’ll leave that up to Johnny,” Baffert said when asked about Gamine using her natural speed to get to the lead. “It depends on how she breaks. But she’s really quick. She’s really quick away from there. She’s just fast, she’s really fast. 

Baffert is a three-time Kentucky Oaks winner, most recently with Abel Tasman in 2017, and previously with Plum Pretty in 2011 and future Hall of Famer Silverbulletday in 1999.

The Oaks is race 12 on the Churchill Downs card and is scheduled to run at 5:45 p.m. ET.